Former Salt Lake City mayor Rocky Anderson plans to create new party, run for president

Rocky Anderson says he is running for president of the United States — and starting a new political party.

SALT LAKE CITY — Rocky Anderson says he is running for president of the United States — and starting a new political party.

The outspoken former Salt Lake City mayor announced his bid for president Tuesday night on his Facebook page. He also asked for suggestions on what to name a new political party, encouraging readers to vote before Wednesday morning.

According to that Facebook account, Anderson said the party will stand for "greater economic equality, an end to wars of aggression, aggressive action on climate protection, and an end to corporate control of government."

Anderson was a longtime Democrat who has now disavowed that political party.

On several occasions, he criticized former President George W. Bush for America's involvement in the Iraq war.

In the past month, he has appeared with protesters for the Occupy SLC movement.